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Listeria monocytogenes: low levels equal low risk.

Author(s) : CHEN Y., ROSS W. H., SCOTT V. N., et al.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Because of the public health significance of L. monocytogenes, US regulatory agencies established a policy whereby ready-to-eat foods contaminated with the organism at a delectable level are deemed adulterated. This "zero tolerance" policy makes no distinction between foods contaminated at high and low levels. A survey of over 31 000 ready-to-eat retail food samples showed an overall prevalence rate of 1.82%. In this study, the authors used the food survey data along with concurrent data regarding illness in the population consuming the foods, together with other variable factors, to derive a dose-response model. A microbial risk assessment based on the model show that a management strategy focusing on the concentration of L. monocytogenes rather than its presence alone may have a greater impact on the improvement of public health by facilitating the development of control measures to limit the maximum levels of L. monocytogenes in foods.

Details

  • Original title: Listeria monocytogenes: low levels equal low risk.
  • Record ID : 2003-2817
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Journal of Food Protection - vol. 66 - n. 4
  • Publication date: 2003/04
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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